Lorenzo Devereaux
Golden-seared chicken bathed in velvety garlic butter sauce and nestled over tender rotini—it’s the kind of comforting dish that makes you slow down and savor every bite. The rich Parmesan sauce clings to every twist of pasta, while the chicken stays juicy and flavorful, thanks to the garlic butter base.
This recipe is perfect for busy weeknights when you want something indulgent but easy. It also works beautifully for weekend gatherings when you want to impress guests with a creamy, restaurant-quality dish without spending hours in the kitchen.
What Makes This Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken So Irresistible?
The secret lies in the balance of flavors: garlicky butter infused with herbs, a creamy Parmesan sauce for richness, and perfectly seared chicken that locks in all those savory juices. Each bite delivers comfort and a subtle nutty sharpness from the Parmesan, making it a family favorite.
Ingredients for the Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken and Rotini in Parmesan Sauce
- Chicken Breasts – Lean and tender, they soak up the garlic butter flavors beautifully.
- Rotini Pasta – The spirals are ideal for holding onto the creamy Parmesan sauce.
- Butter – Gives richness and a velvety mouthfeel to the sauce.
- Garlic – Fresh minced garlic adds depth and a delicious aromatic base.
- Heavy Cream – Creates the luscious, creamy texture that makes this dish irresistible.
- Parmesan Cheese – Brings nutty, salty goodness and thickens the sauce naturally.
- Olive Oil – Helps sear the chicken to golden perfection.
- Salt and Black Pepper – Simple seasonings that bring out the best in every ingredient.
- Fresh Parsley – Adds a pop of color and freshness to balance the richness.
How To Make the Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken and Rotini in Parmesan Sauce
Step 1: Season and Sear the Chicken
Pat the chicken breasts dry, then season generously with salt and black pepper. Heat olive oil and a bit of butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the chicken for 4–5 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through. Transfer to a plate and keep warm.
Step 2: Cook the Rotini Pasta
While the chicken cooks, bring a pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the rotini according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside, reserving about 1/2 cup of pasta water.
Step 3: Make the Garlic Butter Base
In the same skillet used for the chicken, add the remaining butter. Toss in minced garlic and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant, scraping up any browned bits for extra flavor.
Step 4: Create the Creamy Parmesan Sauce
Reduce the heat to medium-low, pour in the heavy cream, and stir until combined. Gradually whisk in the Parmesan cheese until the sauce becomes smooth and slightly thickened. Adjust consistency with a splash of reserved pasta water if needed.
Step 5: Combine Everything
Return the chicken to the skillet, spooning the sauce over the top. Add the cooked rotini, tossing gently to coat every spiral in that creamy, garlicky goodness.
Step 6: Garnish and Serve
Sprinkle fresh parsley over the dish before serving. Plate the rotini first, then top with chicken and an extra drizzle of sauce for a perfect presentation.
Serving and Storing This Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken
This dish is best enjoyed fresh, straight from the skillet while the sauce is hot and velvety. The creamy Parmesan sauce tends to thicken as it cools, so if you’re reheating leftovers, add a splash of milk or chicken broth to bring it back to its silky consistency.
For storage, place leftovers in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, stirring occasionally to keep the sauce smooth.
What to Serve With Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken and Rotini in Parmesan Sauce?
1. Garlic Bread
Crunchy, buttery garlic bread is perfect for sopping up the extra sauce.
2. Roasted Parmesan Green Beans
A light, crispy side that complements the rich, creamy chicken.
3. Caesar Salad
A fresh and tangy salad balances the indulgence of the creamy pasta.
4. Roasted Parmesan Potatoes and Broccoli
Adds a hearty, veggie-packed side to the meal.
5. Buttery Stuffed Artichokes
A unique, flavorful vegetable side that pairs beautifully with creamy dishes.
6. The Ultimate Italian Grinder Salad
If you want something bold, this hearty salad is a perfect choice.
7. Lemon Garlic Parmesan Chicken Tenders
If you’re serving a crowd, these make a great appetizer before the main pasta dish.
8. Easy Homemade Bread
Fresh, warm bread is always a hit for mopping up the sauce.
Want More Creamy Chicken Ideas?
If you loved this Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken and Rotini in Parmesan Sauce, you’ll definitely enjoy these other comforting favorites:
• Garlic Butter Chicken with Rigatoni and Parmesan for a similar creamy pasta experience.
• Creamy Garlic Chicken Breasts when you want a quick stovetop chicken dinner.
• Marry Me Chicken Pasta Recipe for a rich, romantic dinner idea.
• Smoky Garlic Butter Chicken Pasta for a bold, smoky twist.
• Chicken Scampi with Garlic Parmesan Rice if you prefer a rice-based creamy chicken dish.
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And let me know in the comments how yours turned out—did you add extra Parmesan, a sprinkle of red pepper flakes, or maybe some mushrooms? I love hearing how others customize these recipes.
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Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken and Rotini in Parmesan Sauce
Equipment
- Large Skillet
- Pasta pot
Ingredients
- 2 large chicken breasts
- 8 ounces rotini pasta
- 3 tablespoons butter
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
Instructions
- Pat chicken dry, season, and sear in olive oil and butter for 4–5 minutes per side until golden.
- Cook rotini pasta until al dente, reserving 1/2 cup pasta water.
- Melt remaining butter, sauté garlic for 30 seconds.
- Add heavy cream and Parmesan, whisk until creamy; thin with pasta water if needed.
- Return chicken and pasta to skillet, coat well with sauce.
- Garnish with parsley and serve.